In today’s digital age, when brand reputation, eco-friendliness, and visibility are the must-have pillars of any marketing campaign, certain promotional products stand out due to their simplicity, functionality, and durability. The tote bag is one of them.
Did you know that tote bags rank among the five most distributed promotional items in the UK? But what exactly is a tote bag, and why has it emerged as such an essential marketing tool for businesses?
What Is a Tote Bag?
A tote bag is a soft textile bag, usually made of cotton, with two straps for shoulder carrying. The term is derived from the English verb to tote, to carry, and bag—so literally, “a bag to carry.”.
Tote bags gained popularity in the 1990s when postal workers mainly used them to deliver mail. More contemporary, people have begun using tote bags instead of handbags and backpacks. They have also since been redesigned as modern promotional items used by companies to boost visibility and advocate for environmental sustainability.
The most common size is 38 x 42 cm, with a 10-litre capacity. However, you’ll also find larger models, gusseted versions, and options with built-in pockets. Easy to print, budget-friendly, and highly visible, tote bags tick all the boxes for an effective promotional product.
Why Businesses Love Tote Bags
Tote bags are promotional gold because they are useful and functional. Their big print area gives businesses a perfect canvas to display their message and logo. Whoever carries one becomes a walking billboard—taking your brand on the streets, in offices, and on public transport.
No longer just promotional products, tote bags have become everyday essentials throughout the world. Both stylish and practical, they’re perfect for carrying around daily necessities while adding a fashionable touch to any outfit.
And there is more: tote bags are also a great choice for brands that are targeting sustainability. With more and more companies adopting CSR initiatives, eco-friendly materials like organic or recycled cotton make tote bags a sustainable option. Their lifespan is typically 3 to 5 years, so they are cost-effective and not just sustainable.
Most Common Materials Used
Depending on your brand values and budget, you can choose from the following materials:
- • Standard cotton – Inexpensive and ideal for large-scale giveaways.
- • Organic cotton – Pesticide-free cultivation, great for environmental messaging.
- • Jute or hemp – Natural, rugged appearance.
- • RPET (Recycled PET) – Made from recycled plastic bottles, promotes circular economy.
- • Innovative blends – Such as recycled cotton, recycled polyester, or even compostable fibres.
5 Uses of Tote Bags for Your Business
- • 1. Trade shows and exhibitions – Give away branded tote bags that contain your catalogues and brochures. Not only will they be useful during the day, but they’ll continue to promote your business long after the event.
- • 2. Employee welcome packs – Make a great first impression with a tote bag containing a notebook, pen, reusable bottle and onboarding information. It reinforces your employer brand and shows attention to detail.
- • 3. Loyalty gifts for top clients – Delight your top customers by adding a free tote bag to large orders or loyalty programs—a low-cost gesture that adds perceived value.
- • 4. Partner with influencers – Send tote bags filled with samples, treats and promotional materials to influencers or partners. They’re perfect for styled social media posts showcasing your brand.
- • 5. Team building and company events – Provide guests with a tote bag containing the schedule, branded treats and souvenirs at seminars, workshops, or corporate retreats.
Tips for a Successful Tote Bag Strategy
As corporate merchandise specialists, the following are our top tips to make your next tote bag campaign a success:
Design is important: Take the time to create an appealing design and logo. Choose a design that will fit your event and audience. Do not hesitate to work with a graphic designer to ensure the result is not just visually appealing but also professional.
Choose the correct model: Barring a large-scale giveaway or a tight budget, go for a fabric weight of at least 150–180 g/m². That makes the bag durable enough to be used again and again, and be remembered.
A tote bag is not just a bag. It is a portable, sustainable, and long-lasting advertising item that keeps your brand top of mind in your audience’s lives, be they customers, business partners or colleagues.
Ready to see what’s possible? Click here to view all our models of branded tote bags.